1977 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 2,279 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 510 kg more than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Vauxhall Chevette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Vauxhall Chevette | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2279 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
